THE LIFE OF THE VIRGIN CYCLE

Stories from the Life of the Virgin Cycle about Mary’s childhood and engagement, taken from the Protoevangelium of James and other apocryphal accounts known in Russia from the 11th century, underlie these murals. The cycle consisting of 15 scenes occupies two upper tiers of the south and north walls, the second tier of the west wall and west small camber vaults, starts from the south wall by the iconostasis and goes around—on the first (upper) tier, and then on the second tier from above.

The first subject is situated between the iconostasis and the window—Joachim's Sacrifice Rejected, depicting Sts Joachim and Anne, the pious parents of Mary, who brought two pigeons to the temple, which was an annual sacrifice. Next, there is an artistic rendition of St Joachim Praying in the Desert and St Anne Praying in the Garden, where special attention is attracted by a meaningful detail—a nest with baby birds, embodying the symbol of parental happiness. The scene representing the conception of Mary— Sts Joachim and Anne Meeting at the Golden Gate upon learning that she will bear a child is depicted on the south-west pillar as well.

The camber vault in the north-west corner of the Church and the north wall, between the windows, bear the compositions of the Nativity of Mary, common for iconography, and the Feast in the House of Joachim, where Joachim appears holding Mary in his arms. The upper tier is completed with one of the best frescoes of this cycle—The First Steps of the Virgin, illustrating the parents, looking at little Mary with love.

The cycle is continued on the south wall, on the second tier from above, with the next subjects: The Presentation of the Virgin Mary (between the iconostasis and the window), The Life of Mary in the Temple and the Praying of the High Priest about the Bridegroom for the Divine Maiden. The west wall illustrates the scenes of the Marriage of the Virgin and Joseph and the The Test for an Unfaithful Wife (Reprove of Mary) (when She drinks the water of the ordeal of the Lord), revealing the theme of purity and virginity of Mary.

Two conclusive compositions of the cycle are placed on the north wall. One of them portrays the Archangel Gabriel appearing to Mary with an olive-branch and announcing Her the approaching departure from this life to eternal life. The next scene shows the Virgin Parting with the Pious Women Serving Her, the moment when the Theotokos bequeathed them Her belt and robe.